The aquarium! Yay! (Could I have said that with less enthusiasm?) Damn Parents and their educational notions. Why do educational things when you're not in school? Oh yes. I tend to forget; I'm home schooled. That pretty much means any day is a school day. Doh! After declaring Tay and Keelia enemies of the state, we were all ready to go. I was all looking forward to some quality time with Andy and my dahling big bro, who had softened a lot since our winter recording session, when Ike decided to back out. I only heard part of the conversation, but Ike's story about his recent allergy to water and industrial air conditioning didn't fool me at all. Annie, I thought to myself. Well, Mom bought it, so I was left with only Andy for company. Sure, I liked Andy, but sometimes she could be like Tay, a walking voice of reason. NO FUN!!!
When we got to the aquarium, I tried my hardest not to act normal. I would prove to my parents that, in the words of Pink Floyd I "don't need no education." My first attempt was almost immediately after we entered. I walked past the small displays with no interest, but at the first full sized tank, I made my move. The tank was as tall as the space from ceiling to floor and was full of grouper and one solitary pufferfish. I approached the glass and made my worst face. No reaction. "Look, damn you, PUFF UP!" Still no response. I flicked the tank glass. Still nothing. In aggravation, I slammed my palm against the glass. "GRRRR! PUFF-YOU-DAMN-FISH!!!!!" Certain he meant to spite me, he rubbed up against the glass like a cat. After he passed for the twelfth time, I glanced around nervously. Nobody had seemed to notice that I was having a conflict with the pufferfish, so I rethought my plan. Sensing urgency, I backed up against the wall and gathered my breath. I quietly counted to three and then charged at the glass. "LUCY!!! IS THAT YOU???? I'LL SAVE YOU MY LOVE!!!! KISS ME MY DEAR!!!!! I ALONE HAVE TO POWER TO CHANGE YOU BACK TO A PRINCESS!!!!!" One of the aquarium staffers tapped me on my back.
"Excuse me, sir, but you'll have to leave."
"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY LUCY????"
"Your Lucy?"
"MY LUCY!!!"
"What are you talking about? Where?"
"THERE!!!!" I pointed and put my hand against the glass, just as the fish made a pass.
"I'm sorry sir, but you need help." Just about that time, my mom got to me.
"Zachary Walker Hanson! What do you think you're doing?" She grabbed my arm tightly. "I'm sorry, sir. We were just leaving, weren't we, Zacky-Zac?" I have the staffer my biggest grin. Mom pulled me out of the door. As we got to the door, I turned to face the man again.
"TAH TAH!!! LUCY, I LOVE YOU!!!!" Mom pulled me as hard as she could out of the door.
"Let's go," she growled. THANK GOD!!! Escape! The almighty Zac wins again!

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